The United Nations (UN) announced on Saturday that it has temporarily relocated non-essential staff from Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), due to escalating security concerns. The decision comes amid intensifying clashes between government forces and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, who have made significant territorial advances in recent weeks.
According to a UN statement, the relocation primarily affects administrative personnel and those who can perform their tasks remotely, ensuring that critical humanitarian operations continue without disruption. The UN emphasized that this move will not affect its commitment to delivering aid and protecting vulnerable populations in the region. Essential staff will remain in place to carry out crucial activities, including food distribution, medical assistance, shelter provision, and the protection of civilians in North Kivu.
The decision follows the recent capture of Sake, a strategically important town, by M23 rebels. This marks a significant step in the group’s expansion, which has heightened fears of further advances toward Goma, a city already scarred by previous rebel occupations. In 2012, the M23 controlled Goma for ten days, and now, as the situation grows increasingly dire, local populations are once again facing the threat of violence and displacement.
The UN’s action reflects the growing concern over the safety of civilians in the region. More than 400,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of the year, with many fleeing the escalating violence in the eastern DRC. Foreign embassies have issued advisories urging their citizens to leave North Kivu, while borders and airports remain operational despite the security crisis.
In response to the situation, Guillaume Njike Kaiko, spokesperson for the Congolese army, reassured the public that efforts to retake Sake were underway. He emphasized that the army had halted the M23’s advance toward Goma and was fully engaged on the front lines. Kaiko urged the population to remain calm and trust that the military would restore order.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of M23 hostilities and their devastating impact on civilians. Guterres condemned the rebel group’s actions, calling for an immediate cessation of attacks and a return to the ceasefire agreement established last August. The renewed offensive has caused significant casualties and poses a growing threat to regional stability.
As the security situation continues to evolve, the UN will reassess the status of its staff relocation, but its focus on humanitarian aid and protection remains unwavering.
